Finishing can mark out a garment as being top notch rather than a hurried thrown together item. Properly finishing can affect the way a piece of clothing sits on the body, how well it wears and how professional it looks. I see many makers nowadays using shortcuts, time is money and I understand that top stitching and pressing are easily bypassed in the rush to get something finished. At Dark Star Designs we press and top stitch, constructing the garments to last as long as possible. If you are thinking of sewing something for yourself or your child it is always worth the extra investment of time to do the following during construction. Neck ribbing is top stitched down on Dark Star Design's t-shirts Pressing seams during construction is really important especially if working with a non stretch woven fabric. When doing this make sure you are pressing rather than ironing. Top Stitching on all fabrics can help a seam lie flat and help garments that are reversible stay toge...

This is not a forever list as new pattern designers are always coming through, so it's definitely worth checking out the Facebook sewing groups for reviews on new patterns from the testers. You can click on all the brand names and go straight to their website. In no particular order..... Brindle and Twig My current favourite from here has to be the T-shirt dress Elliedactyl My favourite from here are the Zane Joggers Fishsticks Designs Been around for a long time, some good basics. Love Notions Trendy Tunic is a tunic with a bit of a twist and pockets which are always a winner MBJM A UK based pattern maker for a change, lots of good staple patterns including harems and the hot chocolate hoody Peekaboo Patterns Classic Oxford button up shirt Purperita Love the harem dungarees with the moon pocket Twig and Tale Ahh what's not to love, the Wild Thing Coat and the wee pixie hats are a firm favourite here Tiedyediva Another one that has been ...

A straightforward skirt simple for beginners or make it more complex by adding pockets and trims. Materials Needed: Sewing machine (although it could be done by hand) Fabric - cotton or linen for example Matching thread, reel and bobbin Elastic - 3/4" or 1" wide enough to go round the waist Iron I choose a perfect Autumnal fabric because it's Autumn (and nearly Halloween!!) This is a 100% cotton fabric from  The Sewing Studio First you need to measure the waist and length from waist to desired hem length, just on the knee works well. I decided to pop a hem in a complementary fabric on the bottom so added enough for the seam allowance when joining the 2 fabrics together. Use the whole width of your fabric then cut your desired length PLUS 1/2 inch  (allowance for bottom hem) PLUS 1 1/2" (allowance for elastic channel for the waistband). Example - if your skirt length needed was 10.5" the total depth needed would be 12.5...

Popped into the local fabric shop today to grab some Autumnal fabric for a tutorial blog on making a skirt and managed to walk out with some extras that definitely were not on the list! A perpetual problem that leads me to request more shelving regularly. Fox Panel and main fabrics The fabric is by Moda from designer Gingiber I got mine from here The Sewing Studio I managed to sneak away to the studio this afternoon and got the first skirt made and I love it. The geometric main fabric for the body of the skirt with the deep side pockets make for a stylish simple skirt that lets the fabric speak.  Front on  One side with a rabbit pocket Other side with a foxy pocket  I would team this with a plain long sleeved t-shirt in cream, a black cardigan, thick tights and chunky boots. There are also bear and owl options for the pockets. Limited stock available in 2/3 yrs, 4/5 yrs, 6/7 yrs, 8/9 yrs, from £20 please message me at darkstardesign...